If we tolerate fanatics, country will be weakened, says PM


  • Nation
  • Saturday, 25 Nov 2023

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is facing a huge issue involving religious fanatics and those who continually fan racial issues, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said that many were misinterpreting hadith and Quranic verses, claiming that Islam is apparently under threat.

“How is Islam being threatened? Then they said it was pop concerts being held, to which I answered 'didn’t you have concerts under your administration?’,” Anwar said in his opening speech at the PKR National Congress on Saturday (Nov 25).

ALSO READ: One year not enough to resolve all issues, says Anwar

Anwar then pointed out that a recent bid by a mother and a daughter to nullify 18 Kelantan syariah criminal enactments began last year when Perikatan Nasional was the government.

“Where were the leaders of the Islamist party who were part of the government? Why wasn’t any action taken when the case was challenged in May 2022 in Kelantan? There were no voices then.

“Now, it seems as though we are challenging it. This has nothing to do with this government,” said Anwar.

ALSO READ: PKR must remain in power for at least two terms to fulfil reform agenda, says Dr Zaliha

Anwar said the issue was whether the state or federal government can implement laws.

“The Federal Government only decides whether or not the state government can introduce laws involving criminal cases,” said Anwar.

“If we allow states to introduce their own laws, then all states can do so. Therefore, this is a decision for the Federal Court,” said Anwar.

ALSO READ: Saifuddin hits back at survey results, says Anwar's career over long ago if true

Anwar said it was imperative for unity government leaders to explain the facts behind this issue to the public.

“Now, it is claimed that Islam is being threatened. This is the propaganda of those riding on religion.

“You must go down and explain to the people because the facts are on our side. This matter was brought up before our administration,” added Anwar.

ALSO READ: Vital to ensure unity govt stands as a strong coalition, says Wanita PKR chief

Anwar said that if leaders tolerate such allegations, then all Malaysians will be divided along religious lines.

“There will not be just division among Muslims, but also Christians, Hindus and Buddhists.

“If we tolerate this, this country will be weakened and it will not last.

“We should not allow this nation to be misled by religion and race,” said Anwar.

ALSO READ: Leave unity government if you are insincere, PKR leader tells critics

Anwar said the matter isn’t solely a Muslim and Malay issue, as other races are also guilty of fanning political tensions.

“When we wanted to strengthen Bahasa Malaysia as the national language, there were those who disputed it.

“In Peninsular Malaysia, BM must be defended. So, let there be no assumptions that we are undermining the importance of BM as the national language,” said Anwar.

ALSO READ: Learn from one another, PKR celebrates differences in opinion, says PKR Youth Chief

At the same time, Anwar also said DAP has never opposed any Malay or Islamic programmes in the country,

"There will be those who will voice out concerns of other communities, including the Indians and Chinese.

"What is the rationale for an ustaz to insult a race and for it to be left just like that and, in fact, welcomed?" he asked.

Anwar said that even though defending DAP could cause his support to be eroded, he will continue defending what is right.

ALSO READ: PKR Youth must translate ideals into action, says its chief Adam Adli

In May 25 last year, Nik Elin Zurina Nik Abdul Rashid and her daughter Tengku Yasmin Nastasha Tengku Abdul Rahman filed a constitutional challenge against 18 provisions under Kelantan’s syariah criminal enactment.

They argued that these provisions, which include punishments for incest, gambling, necrophilia, sodomy, sexual harassment, among others, were invalid as it is already covered by federal law.

The duo also argued that the power to legislate criminal matters belongs to Parliament, as state assemblies only have the right to enact laws concerning Islamic faith.

On Nov 20, Perikatan leaders and MPs were seen gathering at the Palace of Justice to protest against the legal challenge on the provisions of Kelantan’s syariah criminal enactment.

PAS also held similar protests in Terengganu on Nov 16 and in Kelantan two days later.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Nation

Cops nab Sentul burglars, six arrested and 15 cases solved
Federal Court upholds ex-businessman's death sentence for 2006 murder of UUM grad
E-hailing driver lodges second report over alleged assault by prominent individual’s entourage, says KL police chief
Malay reserve land fraud case an isolated incident, says Azam Baki
Ramanan calls on youths to participate in cooperative sector
Copter tragedy: Full report to be released tomorrow, says Fahmi
Amendments to law needed for Cardiothoracic Surgery programme, says Fahmi
MACC agrees to further extend deadline for declaration of assets for Dr M's sons
Cable theft ring busted in Melaka, 17 suspects detained
Najib denied leave to appeal 1MDB lawsuit attendance ruling

Others Also Read